Snow settles in Birmingham as forecasters warn of plunging temperatures

Snow falls at The Hawthorns as Frank Lampard warms up in picture tweeted by MP Tom Watson

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Snow hit Birmingham on Boxing Day with forecasters warning significant amounts could come down - while temperatures are set to plunge.

The weather front hit the West Midlands on Boxing Day with several inches expected in large parts of the country.

A large swathe of central Britain was hit by snow as the cold snap brought freezing temperatures in the lead-up to the New Year.

At around 4pm on Boxing Day snow began to fall, including at The Hawthorns football ground where West Bromwich Albion were playing Chelsea. MP Tom Watson Tweeted a picture of Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard warming up with snow falling behind him.

Meanwhile others took to Twitter as it became increasingly heavy.

The Hednesford Town vs Worcester City football game was called off with the home team winning, due to the deteriorating conditions.

Road conditions were described as treacherous by organisations, including the Central Motorways Policing Group.

Scene at Draycott Cliff as it is made impassable by snow heading towards Lichfield on the A515 (Image: Ed Walker)

The Met Office upgraded its cold weather alert to Level 3 amber - the second highest - saying there was a 90 per cent chance of severe cold, ice or snow in parts of England between now and New Year’s Eve.

Temperatures could also drop as low as -10C (14F) in some places at the start of next week.

A spokeswoman said: “Low pressure, tracking southeastwards over central and southern England later Boxing Day and overnight into Saturday, is expected to give a period of sleet and snow across the Midlands.”

But she said some uncertainty surrounded how much snow will occur, but several centimetres of snow is likely even at low levels.

The snow warning comes on a day of the year which will see millions hitting the road to visit relatives or take advantage of Boxing Day sales.